Legal Resources

Blog & Legal Insights

Expert guidance on New York estate planning, probate, and trust law — written in plain English for families and individuals navigating these important decisions.

Featured Articles

ProbateMarch 20, 2026

The Comprehensive 2025 Guide to New York Probate & Estate Administration

Everything you need to know about the New York probate process — from filing the petition to final distribution of assets.

Read Article
Estate LitigationMarch 15, 2026

Contesting a Will in New York: A Litigator's Perspective on Grounds, Process, and Outcomes

Understanding the legal grounds for challenging a will in New York Surrogate's Court and what to expect from the process.

Read Article
Estate PlanningMarch 10, 2026

The Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals in New York City

Advanced strategies for protecting and transferring wealth in New York — from GRATs to dynasty trusts.

Read Article
ProbateMarch 20, 2026

The Comprehensive 2025 Guide to New York Probate & Estate Administration

Everything you need to know about the New York probate process — from filing the petition to final distribution of assets.

Read More
Estate LitigationMarch 15, 2026

Contesting a Will in New York: A Litigator's Perspective on Grounds, Process, and Outcomes

Understanding the legal grounds for challenging a will in New York Surrogate's Court and what to expect from the process.

Read More
Estate PlanningMarch 10, 2026

The Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals in New York City

Advanced strategies for protecting and transferring wealth in New York — from GRATs to dynasty trusts.

Read More
Trust LitigationMarch 5, 2026

Understanding Fiduciary Duties and Litigating Breach of Trust in New York Surrogate's Court

What executors and trustees owe to beneficiaries — and what happens when they fail to meet those obligations.

Read More
Estate TaxFebruary 28, 2026

New York Estate Tax: 2025 Updates, Exemptions, and Strategic Planning to Minimize Liability

New York's estate tax cliff, current exemptions, and strategies to minimize your estate tax exposure.

Read More
Estate PlanningFebruary 22, 2026

The Interplay Between Psychology and Estate Disputes: How Our Firm Navigates Emotional Family Litigation

Why estate disputes are rarely just about money — and how understanding family dynamics leads to better outcomes.

Read More
TrustsFebruary 15, 2026

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts in New York: Which is Right for Your Legacy?

A plain-English comparison of the two main types of trusts — and how to choose the right one for your situation.

Read More
ProbateFebruary 8, 2026

Kinship Hearings in New York: Proving Heirship When There Is No Will

What happens when someone dies without a will and there are questions about who the legal heirs are.

Read More
Elder LawFebruary 1, 2026

Elder Law & Asset Protection in New York: Safeguarding Your Home and Savings from Medicaid

Proven strategies to protect your most valuable assets while preserving eligibility for Medicaid benefits.

Read More
Estate LitigationJanuary 25, 2026

A Strategic Approach to Resolving Complex Estate Disputes Through Mediation and Litigation

When to mediate, when to litigate, and how to achieve the best outcome in New York estate disputes.

Read More
Will ContestsJanuary 18, 2026

Challenging Testamentary Capacity: When Is a Loved One Not 'Of Sound Mind' to Sign a Will?

The legal standard for testamentary capacity in New York and how to challenge a will on these grounds.

Read More
Will ContestsJanuary 12, 2026

Undue Influence in New York Wills: Recognizing the Signs and Pursuing a Contest

How to identify undue influence in will execution and build a successful challenge in Surrogate's Court.

Read More
Trust LitigationJanuary 5, 2026

How to Remove an Executor or Trustee in New York for Breach of Fiduciary Duty

The legal process for removing a fiduciary who is failing to properly administer an estate or trust.

Read More
Surrogate's CourtDecember 28, 2025

The SCPA: A Practical Guide for Non-Lawyers Navigating New York Surrogate's Court

Understanding New York's Surrogate's Court Procedure Act — the rules that govern estate proceedings.

Read More
Trust LitigationDecember 20, 2025

Litigating Accounting Proceedings in New York: Forcing Fiduciaries to Transparency

How beneficiaries can compel executors and trustees to provide a formal accounting of estate assets.

Read More
Will ContestsDecember 15, 2025

Will Forgery and Fraud: Pursuing Legal Action in New York Estate Disputes

Recognizing the signs of will forgery and fraud — and the legal remedies available in New York.

Read More
Real EstateDecember 8, 2025

What Happens to Real Estate in a Contested New York Estate? Partition Actions Explained

When heirs can't agree on inherited property, a partition action may be the answer.

Read More
Surrogate's CourtDecember 1, 2025

The Role of the Guardian Ad Litem in New York Surrogate's Court Proceedings

Understanding the court-appointed guardian ad litem and their role in protecting minor and incapacitated beneficiaries.

Read More
Estate PlanningNovember 22, 2025

International Estate Planning for New York Residents with Assets Abroad

Navigating the complex intersection of U.S. and foreign law when your estate spans multiple countries.

Read More
Elder LawNovember 15, 2025

Protecting Your Inheritance from an Abusive Power of Attorney in New York

How to recognize POA abuse and take immediate legal action to protect a vulnerable family member.

Read More
Local GuideNovember 8, 2025

A 2025 Guide to Estate Planning for Upper West Side Residents (10023, 10024, 10025)

Estate planning considerations specific to Upper West Side families — from co-op apartments to family trusts.

Read More
Local GuideNovember 1, 2025

Navigating Probate in the Queens County Surrogate's Court: A Local Attorney's Perspective

What to expect when administering an estate through the Queens County Surrogate's Court.

Read More
Local GuideOctober 25, 2025

Estate Planning for Brooklyn Heights Families: Protecting Historical Assets and Legacies

Special considerations for Brooklyn Heights families with brownstones, co-ops, and multi-generational assets.

Read More
Local GuideOctober 18, 2025

Will Contests in the Bronx: Specific Challenges and Procedural Nuances in Bronx County Surrogate's Court

A local attorney's guide to will contest proceedings in Bronx County Surrogate's Court.

Read More
Local GuideOctober 12, 2025

The Importance of Estate Planning for Financial Professionals in Lower Manhattan (10004, 10005)

Why financial professionals in Lower Manhattan face unique estate planning challenges — and how to address them.

Read More
Local GuideOctober 5, 2025

Protecting Brownstones and Inherited Property in Park Slope: A Guide to New York Partition Actions

What Park Slope families need to know about protecting inherited brownstones from partition actions.

Read More
Local GuideSeptember 28, 2025

Estate Administration for Staten Island Residents: Working with the Richmond County Surrogate's Court

A practical guide to estate administration through the Richmond County Surrogate's Court.

Read More
Local GuideSeptember 20, 2025

Special Needs Estate Planning for Families on the Upper East Side (10021, 10028, 10065, 10075)

Protecting government benefits while providing for a loved one with special needs on the Upper East Side.

Read More
Local GuideSeptember 15, 2025

Challenging a Will in New York County Surrogate's Court (Manhattan): What to Expect

A step-by-step guide to will contest proceedings in Manhattan's New York County Surrogate's Court.

Read More
Local GuideSeptember 8, 2025

Legacy Planning for Artists and Creatives in Chelsea and SoHo: Protecting Intellectual Property in NY Estates

How artists and creative professionals in Chelsea and SoHo can protect their intellectual property and creative legacy.

Read More

Have Questions?

Speak With an Attorney

Reading articles is a great start, but every situation is unique. Schedule a free consultation with Alan Vaitzman, Esq. for personalized guidance.

Book Free Consultation